Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and sadly, the warning signs that someone might be considering ending their life are not always evident until it’s too late. While some people openly muse about their loved ones being better off without them, others may mask their pain behind a façade of normalcy.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the well-known and lesser-known indications that someone is considering ending their life. You can help your loved ones survive a crisis by knowing what to look for and how to respond.

Well-Known Suicide Warning Signs

If someone you care about shows these behaviors, take them seriously:

• Talking about wanting to die or expressing hopelessness
• Withdrawing from friends, family or hobbies
• Giving away their possessions or getting their affairs in order
• Irresponsible behavior, including substance abuse or overspending
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Sudden mood swings or drastic personality changes

Lesser-Known Suicide Warning Signs

Some red flags are more subtle, but they are equally crucial to recognize.

• Calmness after turmoil: A sudden sense of peace after a long period of distress may signal someone has decided to end their life.
• Preoccupation with death: Talking, writing or drawing about death in casual or artistic ways.
• Unexplained physical pain: Headaches, stomachaches or other physical complaints with no obvious cause.
• Risk-taking behaviors: Reckless driving, unsafe sex or other actions that suggest a disregard for safety.
• Isolation masked as independence: Insisting they don’t need help or withdrawing under the guise of being “fine.”
• Changes in appearance or hygiene: A noticeable decline in self-care.

How to Respond if You Suspect Someone Is in Crisis

Recognizing suicide warning signs and knowing how to respond can save lives. While it can feel frightening to confront a loved one about suicidal thoughts, doing so can open the door to healing.

1. Start a conversation: Approach the topic compassionately. You might say, “I’ve noticed you seem really down lately, and I’m concerned about you.” Be direct but gentle to show you care.
2. Listen without judgment: Allow them to share their feelings without trying to immediately fix the problem. Sometimes, feeling heard can ease overwhelming emotions.
3. Encourage professional help: Suggest therapy, counseling or a professionally administered treatment program. Offer to make them an appointment or accompany them if they feel anxious about going alone.
4. Remove immediate dangers: If possible, ensure they don’t have access to lethal means, such as firearms or large amounts of medication.
5. Know when it’s an emergency: If they express a plan to hurt themselves or you feel their life is in imminent danger, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 to talk to a crisis counselor.

How Serene Behavioral Health Can Help

For many people, suicidal thoughts stem from underlying issues like depression, anxiety, trauma or substance use. Serene Behavioral Health provides a safe, structured environment where people can receive:

• Comprehensive assessments to uncover the root causes of distress
• Evidence-based therapies such as CBT and DBT to build coping skills
• Medication management when appropriate
• Personalized care plans designed to foster healing and resilience

This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s break the silence and proactively help those who are struggling. Our goal is to stabilize immediate crises, help clients rediscover hope and create a foundation for lasting recovery. Reach out today to learn more about how we can guide you toward safety, recovery and hope.